Volunteer FAQ

What is Camp Liberté?

Camp Liberté is an independent, charitable organization and is affiliated with the Canadian Dermatology Association. The camp lasts six days in August and is open to children from across Canada who have moderate to severe skin conditions.

Where are the camps located?

Camp East location

The camp is hosted by Camp Papillon. It is a beautiful area located on a 40-acre site on the shores of Lake St. Pierre, in the Lanaudière region of Quebec, about 120 km north of Montreal.

Camp West location

The camp is hosted by Camp Horizon. It is a pristine area located in beautiful Kananaskis Country. Minutes away from attraction like Elbow Falls, Moose Mountain, and Forgetmenot Pond.

Camp Marcoux location 

The camp is hosted by Camp Maple Leaf. Located on a 104 acre private island on Pigeon Lake, in the beautiful Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada. 

Can anyone else volunteer?

Camp East: Camp Papillon, Lanaudière, Quebec

Our team has one volunteer dermatologist, two volunteer dermatology residents, and two nurses.

Being bilingual is not required, but very helpful. Although a few campers may be exclusively Francophone or Anglophone, most are bilingual, and many of the counsellors are bilingual.

Camp West: Camp Horizon, Bragg Creek, Alberta

Our team has one volunteer dermatologist, two volunteer dermatology residents, and one nurse.

Camp Marcoux: Camp Maple Leaf, Ennismore, ON 

Our team has one volunteer dermatologist and two volunteer dermatology residents. 

What is my role as a volunteer?

At Camp, your responsibilities will include:

  • Working as part of a medical team.
  • Assisting the nurses with daily skin assessments and treatment applications during the day and at night.
  • Being a connection between the medical team, camp counsellors and campers. You will serve a vital role in facilitating ongoing relationships with the children, as you will be accompanying the campers on most (if not all) outdoor activities. Camp counsellors are responsible for organizing and running camp activities. As a resident volunteer, you will be available to provide an extra hand or medical advice during the activities and to make sure nobody gets a sunburn. This is a great learning opportunity for the campers to become proactive in their skin health.
  • Helping to organize a learning activity for the campers during the week, such as a presentation or game.
  • Accompanying campers to and from the camp, if necessary.

What are the associated costs and what do I need to bring with me

For Camp East: Camp Papillon in Lanaudière, Quebec, all travel expenses, accommodations, meals and snacks are covered, and there is no charge to you. Please inform the Program Coordinator at [email protected] of any dietary restrictions. You are free to bring nut-free snacks.

Camp Papillion provides some towels and linens, but you may prefer to bring your sheets, pillows and towels. Other helpful items include a hat, sunscreen, swimsuit, running shoes, water bottle, insect repellant, and sunglasses. Also, a celebration takes place on the last night; casual dress up is optional.

For Camp West: Camp Horizon in Bragg Creek, Alberta, all travel expenses, accommodations, meals, and snacks are provided, and there is no charge to you. Please inform the Program Coordinator at [email protected] of any dietary restrictions.

At the Easter Seals Camp Horizon facility, you will need to bring your bed sheets or sleeping bag, pillow, and towels. Other suggestions include a hat, sunscreen, swimsuit, running shoes, water bottle, insect repellant and sunglasses.

What can I learn from this experience?

Every dermatology resident learns and experiences different things when they come to camp. We can tell you it will be an outstanding experience for your personal and professional development.

Do I need to volunteer the full six days and stay onsite?

Yes. You must be available to support the campers at all times when they need your expertise.

Where do I stay onsite?

You will stay with the other volunteer in a separate chalet. You will have time to connect with other healthcare providers and camp staff in the evenings after helping the children with their nightly medication application.

Is my participation recognized as a resident volunteer in dermatology?

If you are a resident volunteer, your participation is recognized by the Royal College for MOC credit with the development of a personal learning project linked to the CanMEDS roles and registered through MAINPORT.

How do I apply?

Please follow the application process on the Volunteer page located under the section titled: Interested in Volunteering. Please note all volunteers are required to have a police background check.

Who should I contact for additional information?

For additional information regarding Camp Liberté, please email Pam Hicks at [email protected]